Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1500

Posted on May 21, 2018

If you're serious about music, you're probably serious about wanting the best instrument too. We get it. That said, there's a lot to think about when you start looking past beginner guitars and move into that higher price range. What do you choose?

How do you get the most out of your money?

You'll find your answer to that question in this list. We want to give you a round-up of the best guitars in this price range so that you can spend with confidence and get an instrument that you'll love. Ready to get started? Keep reading to find some of the best acoustic guitars under $1,500.

Taylor 200 Series Deluxe 224ce-K

First things first, we have to address that this guitar is gorgeous. The entire instrument is made from Hawaiian Koa. This tropical wood will have improved tone the more that you play it. The top is a solid piece of Koa while the back and sides are laminated.

Even better, the hardware on this instrument is just as impressive as its appearance. It features Taylor’s Expression System 2 (ES2) and a custom audio-grade pre-amp. When it comes to sound, the 224ce-K is very bright. This makes it a great choice for fingerstylists. However, if that isn't you, don't count this guitar out. The more you play it, the richer the sound will get. All things considered, for the price, this is a unique, high-quality instrument.

Here's a great review of this guitar by the guys at the Acoustic Letter

Martin 15 Series D-15M

Here's another guitar that goes beyond classic spruce or cedar. The D-15M is made from solid mahogany all around (top, sides, and back). This gives it a lot of characteristics that musicians can appreciate.

The fingerboard is still Indian rosewood, which gives stunning contrast with the dark mahogany. That mahogany wood is really what makes this guitar shine. It provides an unmatched tone that's warm and sweet with great projection. It's great for soulful music. If you're looking for a bright sound, this isn't the one for you. However, if you want those deep and rich tones, here's your perfect match. For the price, this sound quality can't be beat.

The woody look of this guitar is amazing. Check out how it sounds in this video review from Maury's Music.

Takamine EF341SC

One review names this guitar an "iconic black beauty" and we think that's spot on. This guitar is the perfect mix of the straightforward features musicians need and a look that makes you do a double take. It features a solid cedar top and laminated maple on the sides and back. Its body has a dreadnought shape and a cutaway that lends itself to being built for performance. All of this comes together with a polished black finish, similar to what you'd see on a piano. The design of this guitar is simple across the board, but the extra touches like the finish in the diamond inlays make it stunning. When it comes to sound, this guitar is top-notch. It's an acoustic-electric with great range and amplification capabilities. This is a guitar you'll want to hit the stage with. Find out more about the Takamine EF341SC by clicking the banner below.

Here is a great demo of the guitar by Jake Allen that Takamine recently published on their YouTube channel.

Loar LH-700-VS

The Loar LH-700-VS is a hidden gem of sorts. It's an archtop guitar featuring a solid spruce top. It doesn't have a round sound hole on the top. Instead, you'll find two holes shaped like "Fs", on opposite sides. The back and sides are flamed maple and the whole guitar is finished in dark tobacco staining. All of this gives the instrument a vintage look and feel.

One criticism that reviewers note is that you may find some flaws in the construction of this guitar. However, overall it is well-built. Now, let's talk about sound. Since this guitar is made of such high-quality woods, the sound is high-quality too. It's well rounded and perfect for many types of performances. It's worth noting that this guitar can really project, which may be an asset or a downfall depending on what you're looking for.

Here is a great video of this guitar being played. The player is performing a Django Reinhardt style instrumental that I think really sounds great on this guitar.

Journey Instruments OF660 Carbon Fiber Acoustic

If you're looking for a travel guitar that can play just as well as less portable options, the OF660 Carbon Fiber is for you. The standout feature of this guitar is its patented neck system. It's collapsible and fits easily onto a plane and in the overhead compartment. The best part? You aren't sacrificing quality of sound for this convenience.

The rest of the guitar's construction is designed to deliver rich sound and impressive volume. Since it is compact, the guitar is also very comfortable to play. Some reviewers note that they get a bit of buzzing when using certain playing techniques, but that can be easily worked around. If you're interested in the OF660 Carbon Fiber, you can learn more about it by clicking the banner below.

If you are curious as to what one of these sounds like, then check out the video below!

Blueridge BR-183 Historic Series 000 Guitar

The Blueridge BR-183 is described as the "ultimate acoustic" and it lives up to that name in many ways. You can choose between an Adirondack spruce top or a Sitka spruce top based on your sound preferences. Both guitars feature solid rosewood on the back and sides, giving it a rich, deep bass. The neck is designed for easy action and great stability while playing. The body of the guitar is small, so it's lightweight and a breeze to play. Still, it's obvious that great care was put into the design and this instrument is built to last for years. Reviewers are impressed by the intonation of this guitar, but they do note a few cons. Most of these are minor issues around the fit and finish, which won't be a problem for all musicians. To learn more about the Blueridge BR-183, click the banner below.

Eastman AC422CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This is one of the most affordable guitars in this category. If you want a high-quality instrument without worrying about your wallet, the Eastman AC422CE Grand Auditorium guitar is a great fit for you. It features a solid spruce top and rosewood on the sides and the back. It's a versatile choice that complements all playing styles. The natural glossy finish gives it that classic acoustic look, but the sound quality is where this guitar really shines. It has a balanced tone that musicians love. Reviewers name this an awesome choice for your "go-to" guitar. Learn more by clicking the banner below.

Cordoba 55FCE Acoustic-Electric Thinbody Flamenco Guitar

Do you love a guitar that's gorgeous and unique? If so, the Cordoba 55FCE acoustic-electric thin-body flamenco guitar is here for you. It features a slim flamenco body and a deep cutaway. It has a European spruce top and flamed maple on the back and sides. The neck is U-shaped and made of Spanish cedar. Everything comes together with an eye-catching, ultra glossy finish. For the price, it's difficult to find a guitar at this caliber of build and style. In terms of sound, this guitar is ready for you to get your hands on it and put on a show. It has a smooth sound that actually gets better ad you play. Overall, this guitar is a great value that stands the test of time with sound, build and a memorable history. Does this sound like the right guitar for you? Learn more about the Cordoba 55FCE by clicking the box below.

Seagull Artist Cameo CW Element

If your main focus is getting an instrument you can truly invest in, here's the best pick. Bonus: it has a great look to match. The top is solid spruce and flamed maple makes up the sides and the back. The neck is mahogany. It also has a custom polished finish. The dreadnought body gives this guitar a great profile too. When it all comes together, the result is a guitar that looks good and sounds even better. You can expect a bright, sparkly tone and projection that's perfect for performing. Reviewers love the combination of quality tonewoods that all contribute to the clean and crisp sound this guitar has. To learn more about the Seagull Artist Cameo CW Element, click below.

Takamine Pro Series 3 P3MC OM Body Acoustic

We're finishing off this list with a guitar that has it all. The Takamine Pro Series 3 P3MC OM Body acoustic guitar is a fantastic choice for all musicians. It has a cedar top, a sapele back, and hand-scalloped X bracing. Both the cutaway on this guitar and its versatility make playing comfortable and easy. It's an acoustic-electric, offering lots of control and a CT4B II preamp system. Reviewers love that it plays smoothly and has excellent intonation. Everything from the choice of woods to the details in construction come together to create a well-rounded tone. One con is that you may need to replace the strings for better sound, but that is a simple and inexpensive fix. Read reviews and see more on the Takamine Pro Series 3 P3MC OM Body Acoustic by clicking below.

Wrapping Up

That's everything we have for you on this list. These are the best acoustic guitars under $1,500. We know that choosing a guitar to purchase can be difficult, but don't worry! Now you have all the information you need to choose the right guitar for you and get the most out of your money. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and click any of the links above to check out the guitars we mentioned.